20 Mar ATCM Conference
Hammersmith BID were delighted to attend last month’s ATCM Place Management Conference, ‘We Need to Talk About Housing!’. The event began with discussions outlining the current state of play between residential and commercial developments.
A representative from central government spoke on their long-term plans for the delivery of places, infrastructure and housing. With an increased demand for housing, there is no shying away from the potential challenges a shift toward more residential buildings within town centres could pose for the high street. However, discourse quickly turned to the opportunities residential could create and to the potential rise of the Community Improvement District.
Retail & Hospitality
Within town management, ‘death of the high street’ is never a phrase one wishes to hear. However, the closure of non-essential retail and hospitality during Covid-19, the rise in e-commerce and the rise in residential building development has no doubt impacted our town centres. The changing nature of our high streets is perhaps demonstrated most decidedly through the closure of 83% of all department stores since 2016. However, just as we adapt, so too can our high streets. We have seen a shift to more experiential entertainment offers filling empty units, such as escape rooms, craft groups and gym classes. Within Hammersmith itself, The Pop-Up Club has recently moved into an empty unit in Livat, demonstrating local efforts to activate the high street and echoing Hammersmith BID’s historic Made in H&F shop celebrating local makers.
Despite the changes and potential challenges associated with a rise in residential and changing demands, we will continue to support businesses operating locally. As Hammersmith’s Business Improvement District, we are committed to collaborating with others to activate the town centre. With our annual Christmas activities, Summer Festival and ad-hoc events celebrating wellness and sustainability, coupled with our Privilege Card programme, we will continue to drive footfall and encourage people to support their local economy.
Office Sector
As an inner London borough, Hammersmith’s coexisting office and residential areas make it a unique part of London. As with retail and hospitality, the office sector underwent transformation during the pandemic. The increase in people working from home no doubt impacted spending habits within Hammersmith, reducing the number of office workers driving local high street revenue five days a week. However, with 2023 dubbed the ‘year of return to office’ and February 2024 seeing a rise in mandatory office attendance, demands for an activated high street are growing in Hammersmith.
Places are in a constant state of flux. Hammersmith BID views the recent surges in office attendance, combined with experiential entertainment and an increase in residential developments in Hammersmith, as an opportunity to expand Hammersmith’s community feel. We want to support Hammersmith to be a place where people feel encouraged to connect and support local business, whether that be through business forums or community activities.
Additional Notes
If your business is interested in attending any of our upcoming events or in accessing schemes, we run to support businesses operating in Hammersmith, please reach out via email.